WEEK 33

FULFILLING THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHURCH

REVIEW OF PREVIOUS LESSON (5 Minutes) a. What was your understanding of the term ‘marketplace’ as used in the previous lesson? b. What have you been doing differently to uphold truth after the lesson?

MAIN TEXT: Matthew 25:31-40.

MEMORY VERSE: I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. – Matthew 25:36 (ESV).

INTRODUCTION:
The Church is the salt of the earth and light of the world. Thus, the Church has the responsibility to reflect the love of Christ to the world in which she operates. In view of this, the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) was established in the year 1983. Among other functions, PENTSOS is charged with the mandate to formulate policies and provide direction that would
enable the Church meet her social responsibilities. In the passage read, Jesus reckons the various actions taken to meet the needs of people as help extended to Him. Our study today seeks to highlight the Church’s contributions in meeting some needs of humankind, as
stated in the passage.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:

Identify some of the needs of humankind stated in Verse 34-37.
Why do some Christians and churches overlook or neglect people with such needs? (Verse 37-39)
Discuss the statement, ‘Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me’. (Verse 40)
Which of the social intervention programmes of The Church of Pentecost do you know?
How can we resource PENTSOS to fulfil their mandate?

CONCLUSION:
The Church through PENTOS is committed to meeting her social responsibilities. The vision 2023 envisaged to construct twenty-five (25) boreholes for deprived communities, one CHPS compound, and two correctional facilities at Nsawam and Ejura Prisons. Currently, there are eighty-six basic schools, two Senior High Schools, two Vocational Schools, one Skills Learning Centre and eight health facilities under PENTSOS. Also, the Pentecost Educational Scholarship Scheme (PESS) and another Scholarship for students who qualify to study at the Pentecost University College have been instituted among other measures to assist needy students in the Areas and Districts of the Church. From the above, it is evident that the Church is contributing to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving water to the thirsty, and visiting prisoners. We need to appreciate these efforts being made by the Church and support PENTSOS to fulfil the social responsibilities of the Church.

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST